The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts project involved the
conversion of a church, for cultural purposes, to house one of the
largest collections of Canadian art in the country.

The organization of the Canadian art collection has been
combined with the typology of the project to create a special
architectural journey. The new building is connected to the museum
complex via a tunnel under Avenue du Musée, as a natural extension
of the passage under Sherbrooke Street.

The new tunnel brings the visitor to the level under the Erskine
and American church and the first phase of the exhibition, which
continues through five superimposed galleries constructed at the
back of the church.

This arrangement makes it possible to present the collection in
generally chronological order. At each level, the architecture
allows more and more natural light to filter in, while on the
uppermost level a glassed-in gallery affords a view of the mountain
and city, forging a strong link with the environment.

Another aspect of the project was to transform the church into a
444-seats concert hall able to accommodate chamber orchestras as
well as cultural and educational events. This particular feature
allows the Museum to restore the church's function as a public
space.

In addition to making a large collection of stained glass
available, the conservation of the church afforded a unique
opportunity to create a structure whose great heritage value makes
it a legitimate part of the Museum's permanent collection.